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Hardware Instruments => MiniBrute => General discussion on MiniBrute => Topic started by: Terrym on January 19, 2012, 12:04:08 pm

Title: arturia minibrute
Post by: Terrym on January 19, 2012, 12:04:08 pm
hi just saw on the music radar arturia have made an analog synth called the minibrute
and its real analog and will cost about 500 euros
Title: Re: arturia minibrute
Post by: Antoine on January 19, 2012, 01:06:54 pm
Yep, and we are particularly proud of this new little beast!  8)
More information coming in the following hours on our website.
Title: Re: arturia minibrute
Post by: ralfna on January 19, 2012, 01:30:06 pm
Great news! I´m really looking forwart to see the full specs and hopefully soon some user reviews :D
Title: Re: arturia minibrute
Post by: Terrym on January 19, 2012, 01:45:11 pm
will it come in (arturia cream colour) as well.
Title: Re: arturia minibrute
Post by: Antoine on January 19, 2012, 01:53:57 pm
will it come in (arturia cream colour) as well.
No cream nor light-cyan this time.
New color scheme for the analog beast: industrial style, grey/black backgorund with white printings, serviceable for dark stages.
Title: Re: arturia minibrute
Post by: states on January 19, 2012, 01:59:32 pm
Yep, and we are particularly proud of this new little beast!  8)
More information coming in the following hours on our website.

AT WHAT TIME ??????????? please excuse the Caps.. i'm in agony here !!!! must pre-order NOW !!!!!
Title: Re: arturia minibrute
Post by: Antoine on January 19, 2012, 02:35:10 pm
AT WHAT TIME ???????????

!!! NOOOOWWWWW !!!  :D
http://www.arturia.com/minibrute
Title: Re: arturia minibrute
Post by: Sweep on January 19, 2012, 08:06:56 pm
So far all of the videos have failed to work, apart from one with two blokes mumbling vaguely about how great it sounds, but not actually proving anything. Vague comments about how great the filter sounds aren't much use unless we can actually hear it.  I personally wouldn't buy something even if one of the musicians I really respect said it was great.  No way would I be interested just because some vague mumbling character who has no reason to impress me says its great.

Hopefully some proper videos will follow later.

I'm a bit surprised about the design. A two octave keyboard? Maybe of use to people playing really unimaginative bass, but not a lot else. MIDI control from a proper keyboard is the obvious answer, but then it would have made sense not to have a keyboard at all, rather than have one that you don't use, that's pushed up the production costs, that you have to reach over from your proper keyboard when making adjustments, and that increases the footprint of the synth for nothing.

On the plus side, if the CV out would allow the device to double as a MIDI to CV converter, that would be interesting. I could use this to control my ARP Axxe from a MIDI keyboard, for instance, as well as using it as a synth in its own right. Will that work, or would there be latency problems?
Title: Re: arturia minibrute
Post by: states on January 19, 2012, 08:15:03 pm
 ;D you've got fresh custom !!! THANK YOU for this wonderful new product !
it'll complement my sh-101 and my x0x's perfectly !
Title: Re: arturia minibrute
Post by: Terrym on January 19, 2012, 09:19:03 pm
Will there be a (tae) software version arturia emulating there own synth ;)
Title: Re: arturia minibrute
Post by: Sweep on January 19, 2012, 09:38:14 pm
Some more considered comments, now that the other videos are finally working. I just posted this on another forum, and it may bear adding here as well:

Now the other videos are actually working, we have a better overview of this thing.

I'm inclined to say it's well designed, apart from the keyboard.  Obvious and not very original, but solid and good. It's about time we saw a decent multimode filter on an analogue monosynth.

Judging from the second video I don't like the sound of the filter in self-oscillation. It has the harsh quality of the Korg MS filters. Of course that's a matter of personal preference and would be right for some people. It could also be that the settings and performance in this video make it sound harsh and it could be sweeter and fuller in practice. So far I prefer the sound I was able to get from the Roland Gaia when I tried one a little while ago - and the ultimate would still be the beautiful ARP filter on the
Axxe. I made an oriental flute just by self-oscillating the filter and keyboard tracking it. (There's a YouTube video somewhere of someone demonstrating the filter on a late model Axxe.)

The LFOs seem well thought out. Experimentation would be needed to see what sorts of complex modulations are possible, and whether one LFO having been designed with vibrato in mind would be a limitation. I like the aftertouch modulation option, though - so long as that can also be received over MIDI from a proper keyboard. Annoying if it can't. And it's good to see a good range of waveshapes on the main LFO. It's also worth remembering that the arpeggiator can be used for LFO-type effects as well.

One thing not mentioned, that I would have liked to see, is a hold button, or a bypass for the ADSR, so you could free up both hands for manipulating the controls without having to stick Gestapo knives in the keyboard to hold a key down.

I think we'll soon be sick of hearing the Ultrasaw on every record that comes out, like the Roland Supersaw that's obviously more or less the same thing.

The audio demos make it sound like the kind of horrible buzzy kind of crap I avoid, but it may well be capable of a lot more. So far no full richness in the self-oscillating filter and no nice hollowness in the square wave, nor anything else that really appeals to me in the tone, but I'd want to see if that's really the case.

The keyboard modulation and the CV outs tempt me, and I'll try one to see if it does have any musical possibilities for me, but I'll wait and I suspect it won't be a likely option for me unless I'm suddenly in possession of more cash than I need (and when did that ever happen?) By that time they'll be second hand and we'll know how good the build quality really is. Still, I see these selling in shedloads and making a lot of money for Arturia. Who knows, they may be able to employ someone to answer questions I asked their tech support two, three or more years ago?
Title: Re: arturia minibrute
Post by: Antoine on January 19, 2012, 10:17:03 pm
Obvious and not very original, but solid and good. It's about time we saw a decent multimode filter on an analogue monosynth.
Judging from the second video I don't like the sound of the filter in self-oscillation. It has the harsh quality of the Korg MS filters. Of course that's a matter of personal preference and would be right for some people.
Yep, we clearly wanted a "not-too-smooth" filter on this beast, though still being usable.
And absolutely didn't want to implement the 1,854th implementaion of the classic 24db/oct ladder filter we all know (and appreciate though); let's try something else! ;)
Sure it may not fit everyone's taste, the goal is to introduce some fresh variety in sound, I mean: reactivate the analog synthesis genetic vitality. 

Quote
One thing not mentioned, that I would have liked to see, is a hold button, or a bypass for the ADSR, so you could free up both hands for manipulating the controls without having to stick Gestapo knives in the keyboard to hold a key down.
You will find the 3-position Gate Source selector on the backpanel:
* Keyboard: normal mode, keys trig the envelopes
* Hold: drone mode, VCA is fully open
* Audio: an external signal trigs the envelopes

Quote
I think we'll soon be sick of hearing the Ultrasaw on every record that comes out, like the Roland Supersaw that's obviously more or less the same thing.
Ultrasaw is directly inherited from the Yusynth Saw Animator (http://yusynth.net/Modular/EN/SAWANIM/index.html) module.
If we are overwhelmed again with trance-like lead sounds, it's the artists fault, not ours!  ;D

PS: let me drop an eye on your "silent" case, please PM me case number.
Title: Re: arturia minibrute
Post by: states on January 19, 2012, 10:54:36 pm
no way i could ever criticise this product.
i mean ...  CV/MIDI & USB on the same machine is worth more than Arturia's asking price per se._
Title: Re: arturia minibrute
Post by: Sweep on January 19, 2012, 11:17:11 pm
And absolutely didn't want to implement the 1,854th implementaion of the classic 24db/oct ladder filter we all know (and appreciate though); let's try something else! ;)
Sure it may not fit everyone's taste, the goal is to introduce some fresh variety in sound, I mean: reactivate the analog synthesis genetic vitality.

Yes, I like the fact that you've not gone down that route - though I have a Mg so maybe that's easy for me to say.

One of the things I really like about the Arturia softsynths is the wealth of filter options, and I'm very pleased you've transferred that thinking here and not just provided a standard lowpass.

You will find the 3-position Gate Source selector on the backpanel:
* Keyboard: normal mode, keys trig the envelopes
* Hold: drone mode, VCA is fully open
* Audio: an external signal trigs the envelopes

Excellent.

If we are overwhelmed again with trance-like lead sounds, it's the artists fault, not ours!  ;D

Yes. :D  I know, you only make the damn things - it's up to us out here to do something new with them.  Hopefully if you can get these into the hands of as many musicians as possible, some of them will come up with something different.  Good synths at a decent price are the best way to that.

Thanks for the comment about outstanding cases.  I'll sort out the details and PM you.
Title: Re: arturia minibrute
Post by: akiz on January 20, 2012, 01:18:58 pm
Congratulations!

I think this one "stole the thunder" from many other products at NAMM.
I'm looking forward to get one when they're available. ;D

Cheers!
Title: Re: arturia minibrute
Post by: Koshdukai on January 20, 2012, 02:31:22 pm
I think this one "stole the thunder" from many other products at NAMM.

Indeed. I've been following this since the first leaks of info and how the buzz has been growing in forums and now in blogs and established websites.

This "little" synth dropped like a bomb at WNAMM2012 and mostly, the web :)

Congratz Arturia for such a well feature packed, well priced and perfectly timed product launch! :)


Now... to start saving some cash for April :D
Title: Re: arturia minibrute
Post by: Fiction on January 20, 2012, 02:46:04 pm
Congratulation Arturia !!!
Amazing new synth. I want one !!
Is it possible to pre-order this MiniBrute ?? where ??

Thanks again.
Title: Re: arturia minibrute
Post by: Terrym on January 20, 2012, 08:49:14 pm
Congratulation Arturia !!!
Amazing new synth. I want one !!
Is it possible to pre-order this MiniBrute ?? where ??

Thanks again.

hi i saw on sweetwater.com there for sale now for 499 dollers
Title: Re: arturia minibrute
Post by: Koshdukai on January 21, 2012, 01:09:18 pm
hi i saw on sweetwater.com there for sale now for 499 dollers

That's something I'm not getting... This site is listing it at 549USD but on every NAMM video, I see all Arturia booth demo guys mention 499USD!


....guess that's what the street price will end up being, right?
Title: Re: arturia minibrute
Post by: HUROLURA on January 21, 2012, 07:58:02 pm
Maybe it would be good to open a MiniBrute Specific forum just next to the ORIGIN ...
Title: Re: arturia minibrute
Post by: states on January 22, 2012, 10:03:10 am
Maybe it would be good to open a MiniBrute Specific forum just next to the ORIGIN ...

+1
Title: Re: arturia minibrute
Post by: Antoine on January 23, 2012, 10:52:14 am
Done!  :)
Title: Re: arturia minibrute
Post by: Koshdukai on January 23, 2012, 12:13:20 pm
...and thread moved to it!

Great, thank you! :D
Title: Re: arturia minibrute
Post by: JacksonP on January 23, 2012, 07:58:56 pm
Congratulations Arturia! MiniBrute was probably the most interesting product in winter NAMM 2012!

To myself (as I am mainly a live stage player) this 2-octave keyboard is just too short. So I'd personally like to have 37-key model or module instead. Maybe we'll see one or both in the future...?

Title: Re: arturia minibrute
Post by: jmcecil on January 23, 2012, 10:46:23 pm
ack, before the "but" ... lets start with the fact that this looks like a great device.  Great features, that hopefully will sound awesome when demoed.

BUT

tell me you have a keyboardless one in the works please?
Title: Re: arturia minibrute
Post by: electro808kat on January 24, 2012, 04:10:09 am
Being an analogue synthesist fanboy the Arturia MiniBrute MonoSynth was definitely a stand-out product from NAMM2012. Yes it does remind me of the Roland SH-101 from the eighties, my very first synth I bought as a teenager! The video with MiniBrute/Spark showed off how great these two Arturia machines sounded together! Lets hope Arturia create a patch libarian/editor to store created sounds/patches.
I guess I'm gonna lose myself in endless hours of knob twidlling...once again, bring ON the MiniBrute Arturia...unleash the beast!
Title: Re: arturia minibrute
Post by: Antoine on January 24, 2012, 11:02:00 am
tell me you have a keyboardless one in the works please?
Can't say any word on the ongoing projects, sorry.
Sure, a rack version immediately comes to mind for any homestudist and live performer, but I won't confirm nor deny anything.
For the very moment, please enjoy the keyboard version.  :)
Title: Re: arturia minibrute
Post by: Antoine on January 24, 2012, 11:09:19 am
Lets hope Arturia create a patch libarian/editor to store created sounds/patches.
Knobs and faders are not digitally driven, so there won't be other presets saving than human-driven: filled patch sheets, photo shot, good brain memory...
In all cases this unit is so intuitive that sooner or later the keyboardist "thinks" MiniBrute and knows how to program the desired sound in seconds.
Quote
I guess I'm gonna lose myself in endless hours of knob twidlling...once again, bring ON the MiniBrute Arturia...unleash the beast!
It was really difficult here to do "testing" without starting "playing". :D
Beyond being a straightforward and efficient instrument, this beast really is a fun machine. More than being biased, I'm clearly in love.
Title: Re: arturia minibrute
Post by: jmcecil on January 24, 2012, 01:29:48 pm
tell me you have a keyboardless one in the works please?
Can't say any word on the ongoing projects, sorry.
Sure, a rack version immediately comes to mind for any homestudist and live performer, but I won't confirm nor deny anything.
For the very moment, please enjoy the keyboard version.  :)
Yes, I would want the rack version for live use.  So, get the hacksaw out and get busy! ;D
Title: Re: arturia minibrute
Post by: Koshdukai on January 24, 2012, 03:11:37 pm
The current MiniBrute version is perfect as the all-in-one basic true analog synth for anyone wanting to enter the analog world. Also a great addition for a eurorack type modular synth enthusiast, with its added feature of CV<->MIDI/USB interfacing, besides acting as a new VCO+VCF "module" :)

Those that already have enough keyboards and the CV/MIDI issue solved may only be interest in the rack version, but that will also be a no brainer for existing MiniBrute users:

MiniBrute's CV out to the module and it's audio back to MiniBrute's audio in = 2xVCOs 2 serial VCFs

One can only wish that loosing all the digital sections of the keyb, wheels and possibly the arp will give some room for the added feature of digital (MIDI) control of all the analog parameters. That would be awesome for DAW users wanting to control a pure analog source (with preset recall).


I'm curious if the current MiniBrute version is capable of chained polyphony mode where 1st note is played internally and 2nd note is sent through CV (to get at least duophonic behavior).

Edit: It would be cool if that behavior could at least be added in a future firmware upgrade (since I think the keyb logic is still digital) and turned on/off through MIDI if there's no hardware switch for that already.
Title: Re: arturia minibrute
Post by: Sweep on January 24, 2012, 09:03:03 pm
I think that's an excellent summary of the potential of the MiniBrute and the questions that need to be asked/answered. (Or maybe I'm just happy to see someone else who thinks like I do.) The potential of the MIDI/CV options attracts me as well, and the chained polyphony question is an important one.

Over the last week I've thought about my initial response to the MiniBrute. My positive thoughts about the MIDI/CV aspect are still there, but also I'm not so down on the short keyboard as I was initially. I'd still like to see a rack version, but presumably Arturia needed to settle on one basic format to get the synth on the market and see what response there is. Weighing the pros and cons of that, I can see how the small keyboard fits the `go anywhere' ethos of this synth. It's compact, but so long as you've got an amp to plug into, it'll do something good without any fuss. On balance I think that was a good decision.
Title: Re: arturia minibrute
Post by: Fuseball on January 25, 2012, 10:38:02 pm
I very much like the portability of the smaller format.  I would probably use it driven by a sequencer or larger keyboard in the studio though.

My only concern with the portability is the time it would take the VCO to get up to temperature and therefore be in tune.  My Mg takes about 15 minutes to be usable which is less than ideal for gigging.

Despite being used to MIDI controlled synths I really love that the MiniBrute has no CC handling (and consequently no fear of stepping on the filter etc.) and no patch saving.  I'm sure it will feel more like an instrument, instantly hands-on tweakable, as a result of this.

Can't wait to play with one in a couple of months time...
Title: Re: arturia minibrute
Post by: Antoine on January 26, 2012, 09:29:11 am
My only concern with the portability is the time it would take the VCO to get up to temperature and therefore be in tune.  My Mg takes about 15 minutes to be usable which is less than ideal for gigging.
Depending on external temperature conditions, it can take up to 5 minutes before the synth be pitch-stable.
After that, the MiniBrute is remarkably stable in temperature during hours; the core of the VCO is maintained in an internal "high" temperature environment, so its stays relatively insensible to external temperature variations (at least endurable by human beings).
Title: Re: arturia minibrute
Post by: dexfx69 on February 04, 2012, 06:27:38 am
The thing that makes this synth a Godsend for me, is that it is a true VCO design (and you can hear it in the sound compared to DCOs or even Mg's modern VCOs with digital memory scanning etc), with quickly accessible excellent sound capabilities and control. I never thought I'd see the day when a unit of this quality is released at that price.

UPDATE JULY 17: and at this rate, I may never see the day.  :'(
Title: Re: arturia minibrute
Post by: synthlabs on February 27, 2012, 07:47:18 pm
will it come in (arturia cream colour) as well.
No cream nor light-cyan this time.
New color scheme for the analog beast: industrial style, grey/black backgorund with white printings, serviceable for dark stages.


Oh PLEASE!!! Consider making several different colors. I'll buy several. It worked great for that old synth front he 80's that the red ones still go for over a grand.

I'd buy two neon green ones right now-)

and before I get knocked for talking color over sound, I played it at NAMM. I'm sold on the sound. Now I just need some colors.

Synthlabs
Title: Re: arturia minibrute
Post by: Terrym on February 27, 2012, 08:44:30 pm
will it come in (arturia cream colour) as well.
No cream nor light-cyan this time.
New color scheme for the analog beast: industrial style, grey/black backgorund with white printings, serviceable for dark stages.


Oh PLEASE!!! Consider making several different colors. I'll buy several. It worked great for that old synth front he 80's that the red ones still go for over a grand.

I'd buy two neon green ones right now-)

and before I get knocked for talking color over sound, I played it at NAMM. I'm sold on the sound. Now I just need some colors.

Synthlabs
i second that i would like a red  one please ,i don't need another grey synth arturia
so im not buying. but a nice limited edition  in red might temp me though.
Title: Re: arturia minibrute
Post by: Filip on March 09, 2012, 03:05:55 pm
Hi,Im new here .
Can anyone tell me what is the fastest way to have a mini brute in my studio(without robbing Arturia)!

1  Is it faster to order one on a webshop like thoman or bax nl.
2  Or is it faster to wait till you can order on the Arturia website?

Is it possible to pre order by Arturia?
If a shop like thoman is faster witch shop do you guy's or girls recommend me.
I live in stupid Belgium and I don't think I will get him here very fast by the dealers over here.
They are terrible in service etc....
Now tell me  1 or 2 or....?
Oh yeah ,
Arturia thank you for making my dream synth.
Now back to work !!!!And make another one with the same concept but polyphonic and with reverb and delay!!!!
I will buy it and I will make other people buy it to!!!
Thanks for reading this and I hope to get an answer on my question.
VIVA ARTURIA!!!!!!!!
Title: Re: arturia minibrute
Post by: scttcmpbll on May 02, 2012, 03:42:01 am
Will the minibrute be able to control other midi synths via the arpeggiator?
Title: Re: arturia minibrute
Post by: jimtheswede on May 02, 2012, 04:00:39 am
I am somewhat surprised that the users manual isn't available yet.....

Anyone at Arturia out there to answer?  If it was online, many questions would be answered.

Thanks!
Title: Re: arturia minibrute
Post by: Antoine on May 03, 2012, 06:23:43 am
The MiniBrute user's manual will be available shortly before the units are in stores.
Title: Re: arturia minibrute
Post by: zedius on May 03, 2012, 06:19:17 pm
Thanks, but ouch!

I would think that since the product was originally intended for release in April, that the user manual must be complete. I can't see the point of withholding it, and releasing it would be one easy way of pacifying customers who have been given delays.

There are still many unanswered questions about this synthesizer, and so there are surely many undecided customers who might need to see the manual before purchase.
Title: Re: arturia minibrute
Post by: Cord on May 06, 2012, 02:43:55 am
First round is pretty much sold out. You will have plenty of time to read the manual while you are waiting for the second batch!  :o
Title: Re: arturia minibrute
Post by: zedius on May 07, 2012, 06:03:44 am
I pre-ordered the first round on the 3rd day after press release. So I’ve had plenty of time to wait already!

Anyway, one of my burning questions was answered by audiocentralmagazine yesterday:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FV-RvrOowQo

Arpeggio outputs CV!!! This is looking perfectly integratable with a future modular system! :D
Title: Re: arturia minibrute
Post by: zedius on May 28, 2012, 09:46:17 pm
Getting pretty antsy over here!  Eager to determine the meaning of "Shortly before" wrt user manual. It seems it's not weeks; here's hoping it's days! Perhaps hours? Seconds? Negative hours?

Either way, it's exciting to know that this time next week we'll all be watching nerdy unboxing videos and getting even antsier!!!
Title: Re: arturia minibrute
Post by: zedius on May 31, 2012, 05:39:55 pm
Negative hours it is! Negative days? Minibrutes are on their way out the door, so some rev of the manual must be complete. Please upload it!
Title: Re: arturia minibrute
Post by: zedius on June 12, 2012, 05:29:41 pm
Manual's up! Thanks Arturia.
Title: Re: arturia minibrute
Post by: MOKNOW on June 14, 2012, 03:18:43 pm
Tomorrow is the mid of June!!!

WHERE IS THE GEAR!!!

Please ARTURIA, we need more info!!!

THX!